The murder of a journalist who had re-located to Mexico City from the Mexican state of Veracruz has shocked and horrified both residents of the capital city and media organizations alike.

Mexico is one of the most dangerous places to live and work if you’re a journalist. Since 2010, over 80 reporters have been murdered. The state of Veracruz is especially deadly with 14 journalists killed since 2010. But Mexico City has always been considered a safe haven for journalists.

That changed on July 31st when five people were found murdered in an apartment in Mexico City’s Navarte neighborhood. The victims included one male journalist and four women, one of whom was also influential in media circles.

Murder of journalist Ruben Espinosa in Mexico City sparks outrage

Murder of journalist Ruben Espinosa in Mexico City sparks outrage

The murder of a journalist who had re-located to Mexico City from the Mexican state of Veracruz has shocked and horrified both residents of the capital city and media organizations alike. From Mexico City, CCTV political commentator Laura Carlsen who recently wrote an article on the case, speaks to “Americas Now” anchor Elaine Reyes. Laura tells us more about the victims and the investigation.

Photojournalist Ruben Espinosa, the male, was found shot to death. Espinosa had been working in Veracruz for a newsmagazine called Proceso and moved to Mexico City after reportedly receiving threats against his life. In his work he covered the 43 missing students from the state of Guerrero as well as the government of Veracruz lead by Governor Javier Duarte.

Nadia Vera, a social activist and friend of Ruben Espinosa, had also left Veracruz after receiving death threats for her work as a proponent of human rights. She had been vocal in her opposition to the Veracruz government and believed them to be complicit in the violence taking place in the region.

Makeup artist Yesenia Quiroz Alfaro, Hairstylist Mile Virginia Martin, and housekeeper Alejandra Negrete also lost their lives in the apartment on July 31st. Authorities said the women had been raped and all five victims showed signs of torture before being shot execution-style.

Protestors have been calling for the resignation of the governor of Veracruz and Mexico’s president Enrique Pena Nieto, for not taking enough action to prosecute the crimes.

From Mexico City, CCTV political commentator Laura Carlsen who recently wrote an article on the case, speaks to “Americas Now” anchor Elaine Reyes. Laura tells us more about the victims and the investigation.